Digital SLR Cameras; Is It Time For You To Step Up?

Cameras
with built-in lenses are available in a myriad of sizes,
resolution levels and price ranges, with various types
of lenses, and they range from uncomplicated to advanced.
By comparison, the choice in consumer-grade D-SLR cameras
is very limited.

Cameras with a built-in lens
are certainly convenient, but many photo enthusiasts prefer one of the
digital Single Lens Reflex (D-SLR) models that accept interchangeable
lenses. Quite expensive in the past, D-SLR cameras have become more
affordable, and this has definitely boosted their popularity. Today,
you can buy a 6-megapixel model, with a 3x zoom lens, for $1000 to $1399,
depending on the brand. If you're thinking of upgrading from an
older digital camera, a D-SLR may be an attractive proposition. But
before you make the plunge you might want to make an educated decision
based on your shooting needs, desires and what you gain, and might give
up with these cameras.

The answer to the step-up question was relatively simple a year ago
when D-SLR cameras were more desirable than the smaller cameras for
serious shooting, or for anyone who wanted to make oversized prints.
But then, several manufacturers released full-featured 6-megapixel compact
cameras. A few months later, five prosumer cameras became available
with incredibly high 8-megapixel resolution plus a built-in wide range
zoom: 28-140mm, 28-200mm or 35-280mm (equivalent) depending on the model.
Loaded with advanced capabilities for serious photography, all five
also accept filters, accessory flash units and lens converters. These
aspects make them competitive in many respects with the D-SLRs and they
sell for about the same price ($999) as a Nikon D70 or Canon EOS Digital
Rebel with a basic 28-90mm (equivalent) zoom lens.

Through The Lens (TTL)
Viewing
The term Single Lens Reflex refers to the fact that you view the scene
through the same lens as you will take the picture. In an SLR camera,
through the lens viewing is provided by a mechanical system. A "reflex"
mirror reflects the image to a prism, a device with a system of mirrors
that reflect the image to the optical viewfinder. Consequently, there
is no need for a secondary viewing lens of the type found in most cameras
with built-in lenses. Because you view the subject through the "taking"
lens, framing is highly accurate.

With most compact cameras you view through a small secondary lens or viewfinder
above the "taking" lens. That's fine for most situations,
but in very tight close-up or "macro" shots--with the
subject less than about 24"from the camera--the framing will
be inaccurate. Because the two lenses "see" slightly different
parts of an image, you may cut off the top of your subject in the pictures.
Naturally, you can use the LCD monitor to frame the subject; this is useful
in extreme close-ups but increases the risk of blur from camera shake
when holding the camera away from your body. It might also not be so easy
to see accurately when shooting in bright sunlight.

A
camera that allows you to view the subject through the "taking"
lens offers highly accurate framing, a benefit particularly
in close-up photography.

Cameras with 5x and longer
built-in lenses also offer through the lens viewing but they use entirely
different technology: a small LCD screen (like the type used in video
camcorders) inside the viewfinder. Because the electronic viewfinder (EVF)
allows you to view the subject through the "taking" lens,
some publications refer to such cameras as single lens reflex models.
This is not correct, because they do not employ the reflex mirror and
prism mentioned. When using the term SLR, I'll refer only to true
Single Lens Reflex cameras that also accept a wide range of interchangeable
lenses.

Compact Cameras Pros
And Cons
Before moving on to consider the merits of D-SLR cameras, let's
take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of digital cameras with
a built-in lens, still the most popular type.

PROS
· There are far more such cameras on the market. This wealth of
choices gives you much greater flexibility in selecting just the right
model, with the size, appearance, price, capabilities, resolution (megapixels),
and features you desire.
· While the high-end "prosumer" cameras are packed with
a multitude of SLR-style capabilities, you can find many others that are
quite easy to use. Such cameras often include all of the essential features
and they're primarily designed for simplicity and convenience of
operation.
· The cameras with built-in zoom are more portable than a D-SLR
with lens attached, and offer greater convenience. Some--including
a few of the 5-Mp models--are particularly compact; you'll
be more likely to carry (and use) a camera of this type so you won't
miss any photo opportunities.
· Some of the mid to higher priced cameras accept optional telephoto
and wide angle adapters, filters and
high-powered flash units; these allow you to expand their versatility.

While
a prosumer camera with a high-resolution sensor and wide
range zoom lens can be useful for some serious photography,
a D-SLR system offers advantages when you need an ultra-wide
angle or super telephoto lens..

CONS
While these advantages are certainly meaningful, cameras with a built-in
lens are not ideal in all respects. Consider the following issues:
· Except for the prosumer models, cameras with a built-in lens offer
fewer advanced capabilities for serious photography than the D-SLR cameras.
· All cameras with a built-in lens employ smaller sensors than D-SLR
cameras, with smaller pixels. Consequently, they do not produce the same
level of image quality, particularly at high ISO settings and in most
low-light photography.
· A built-in zoom lens--even with an extra-cost adapter--is
not nearly as versatile as an SLR system with a wide range of lenses.
· In extreme close-up photography, cameras with an optical viewfinder
do not produce accurate framing. You must use the LCD monitor to compose
your images in such situations; this increases battery consumption and
the risk of blurry images from hand and body tremors when holding the
camera away from your body.
· Cameras with an electronic viewfinder (discussed in our TTL sidebar)
provide accurate framing, but the view through an EVF is not as bright
and crisp as through an optical viewfinder. As well, there's a delay
from one shot to the next while the EVF refreshes to provide a live view
of the subject; that can make continuous framing of a moving subject difficult.

Digital SLR Pros And Cons
In addition to the benefits of an optical through the lens viewfinder,
a D-SLR camera has several advantages over the models with built-in lenses:

A
camera with a built-in 28-200mm or 35-280mm zoom is smaller
and lighter than a D-SLR with a short lens. If you decide
to buy an SLR--especially with extra lenses and accessories--you'll
want a compact camera as well for situations where you need
more portable equipment..

PROS
· As a general rule, they're quicker to start up, allowing
you to take the first shot almost instantly. There's virtually no
"shutter lag": the delay between pressing the button and the
instant of exposure; this allows for capturing a fleeting smile, gesture,
or a moment of interaction.
· Their autofocus systems are generally faster and D-SLRs also offer
faster framing rate and greater burst depth (for more images in a sequence);
granted, the best of the prosumer cameras come close in these performance
aspects. If you like sports or action photography this will be a big plus
in D-SLR's favor.
· The manual focus system is far more effective and more convenient
to use.
· You can determine exactly what is in focus at a glance because
the exact area of sharp focus is clearly visible in the viewfinder. That's
not possible with compact cameras with an optical viewfinder and it's
difficult to see with a (tiny) electronic viewfinder.
· The 6-megapixel D-SLR cameras generate cleaner images than the
8-Mp cameras with built-in lens; the images can be enlarged to a much
greater extent without an appreciable loss of quality, great for making
13x19" prints. If you often shoot in low light, you'll find
that the D-SLR images exhibit less digital noise (random colored specks)
in long exposures or at high ISO settings.
· A D-SLR system offers unparalleled versatility because it includes
numerous lens types. These range from ultra wides that encompass more
than our own eyes, to the super telephotos necessary for making tightly
framed images of sports, racing, and wildlife subjects. No matter what
type of photography you enjoy, there is a lens that will help to achieve
your exact intentions.
· D-SLR cameras offer extra features not available even with the
most expensive prosumer cameras. My own favorites include: depth of field
preview (to assess the range of apparent sharpness, behind the subject
and in front of it); and reflex mirror lock up to minimize internal vibrations
in high magnification macro photography; and a more reliable autofocus
system with true tracking focus for action photography. (Most prosumer
cameras with built-in lens include continuous autofocus but this is less
reliable with fast moving subjects.)

An
increasing number of prosumer cameras include continuous
autofocus option useful for slow moving subjects; a few
Minolta models even include a tracking focus option for
following subjects moving at a faster rate. However, an
SLR camera's tracking focus mode is more reliable
with high-speed action especially with erratic motion such
as acceleration. (Sigma SD9 SLR with 70-200mm zoom.)

CONS
Before you start saving up for a D-SLR camera, consider the drawbacks
too:

· The extra size/weight means less portability so the camera may
be left behind more often.
· The camera will be more complicated to operate than most of the
cameras
with built-in lens, except for the
prosumer models that are also packed with capabilities.
· All of the consumer grade D-SLRs employ an image sensor that's
smaller than a 35mm film frame (the industry standard); hence, the cameras
produce a "focal length magnification" factor. That's
great if you love telephoto photography because a 200mm lens provides
the equivalent of a larger/heavier 300mm (or 320mm) lens on a 35mm camera.
But for true ultra-wide angle photography you'll need to buy a very
short lens such as a 12-24mm or 15-30mm zoom.

The Bottom Line
In most respects, cameras with built-in lenses offer greater value and
some of the prosumer models are incredibly useful for most types of serious
photography. Nonetheless, a D-SLR camera system is even more versatile,
more reliable in some respects, and is capable of producing higher image
quality. Of course, much of this benefit depends on your own needs and
budget. Do you intend to buy a series of lenses and a printer that can
handle up to 13x19 prints? And do you often shoot sports or low-light
scenes? If not, you should be happy with a top rated camera with a built-in
lens, particularly a 28-200mm (equivalent) or similar zoom.

But if you're serious about digital photography and imaging--or
if you plan to develop in that direction--a D-SLR camera will keep
your options wide open. Start with a modest zoom and an affordable photo
printer and expand the system as your budget and your demands increase
in the future.

If you decide to buy a D-SLR, narrow the field down to a couple of models
that include the capabilities that you want or are compatible with lenses
that you already own. Then, visit a well-stocked retail store and ask
to handle each camera. Check the type of controls, general handling, responsiveness
and the logic of operation; select the one that you find most convenient
to use. This "test drive" may be the single most important
step, helping to assure long-term satisfaction with your new system.

A long-time eDP and Shutterbug
contributor, stock photographer Peter K. Burian is the author of a new
book, Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging. ($21 through online bookstores.)
Covering all aspects of the topic--the technology, equipment and
techniques--this book provides 270 pages of practical advice for
photo enthusiasts.